Project Brief
This assignment required me to multiply and/or divide a portrait to portray a concept.
I had recently stumbled upon images of fasciated plants, and I thought the imagery and biology of fasciation not only met the multiplication criteria for this project, but also provided a unique way to discuss domestic abuse. Specifically, I used fasciation concepts to explore a few life paths that victims take due to their abuse and how these paths may continue or prevent abuse of the victim or future generations.
Click here for a brief Smithsonian Magazine article explaining fasciation in plants.
Scroll down to read about some of the symbolism!
Timelapse of my drawing process in Adobe Fresco.
The Monstrosity
This head represents victims who voluntarily choose to continue the abuse cycle. They incorporate traits of their abusers into their own character and use their past or present situations as an excuse to harm others.
The eye is fasciated to suggest that their perception has been distorted by all of the negativity they’ve endured. The cliché that eyes are “windows into the soul” also suggests a deformity of the person’s character.
Verbal abuse doesn’t receive as much attention as it should, but it can be just as damaging as other forms of abuse on an individual’s sense of self-worth. The mouth is fasciated as a reminder that words also contribute to abuse.
A wasp nest hangs above this head. The wasps symbolize abusers, so the placement of the nest warns that the path of the fasciated head only serves to multiply abuse rather than prevent it.
The "Interesting" Variation
Many victims of abuse struggle with damaged self-worth, but they also have an incredible empathy for others. This mix can make them attractive to other abusers who take advantage of insecurities and kindness. Because of this, the cycle of abuse may unfortunately continue in spite of the victim's intentions.
I wanted to use this head to evoke sympathy for victims. I often see victims blamed for remaining with their abusers, but this victim-blaming is insensitive to the multitude of reasons that prevent victims from recognizing their abuse or escaping. While the fasciated features of the monstrosity head represent mutated morals, this blue head does not have fasciated features since the continuation of abuse is not due to a mutation of the victim’s character, and the abuse isn’t carried out by the victim.
A flower covers this eye to represent how the victim’s kindness sometimes blinds them to the warning signs of additional abusive relationships.
A wasp is “right under their nose,” but their low self-worth prevents them from recognizing or preventing their own mistreatment.
The Perennial
Accepting and recognizing the impacts of abuse, this head is cautious and distrusting. They may feel afraid or unable to connect with others for some time, fearing they may lose their balance and succumb to the fates of the left or right heads.
The faded and scratched flowers on this face are meant to suggest their awareness of how their abuse may affect their judgement of future relationships. The flowers don’t fully distort the face’s appearance though, suggesting that these flower scars may eventually fade and allow a hopeful future.
The Sprout
This head wears a crown to portray the power that victims possess in choosing which path they take. The overall composition is meant to have a cyclical appearance, suggesting that a victim can change paths at any time. I wanted the piece to have a solemn, yet hopeful feeling.
The Gardener
Two larger eyes are placed at the top of this composition. These represent the past generations who must witness how their ability to prune or multiply domestic abuse impacted their offspring.
Reflection
I loved incorporating fasciation into this concept. I think the biology of it has a lot of potential both visually and conceptually.
I believe this piece does well with focusing on the victims rather than advertising their abusers. I wanted this piece to focus on the power and strength of domestic abuse victims despite their vulnerabilities and scars.
I hope to create more pieces that express sympathy towards victims and bring awareness to the complicated nature of domestic abuse.
Thanks for scrolling through!
